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The Bowflex Max Trainers and ProForm HIIT Trainers are somewhat similar but still have many differences. Find out what these are and what the best choice is.
There are different options for these product lines. This article will mainly compare the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 and ProForm Pro HIIT H14 since they are so similar.
The main differences between the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 and the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 are that the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 has a slightly higher weight limit, a vertical elliptical pedal trajectory, a 14″ Smart HD Touchscreen, more resistance levels, and longer warranties.
On the other hand, the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 has an up-down pedal trajectory, more free workout programs, a device holder to watch entertainment and follow workout apps through a smart device, more compact dimensions, a price that is a bit more budget-friendly, and more positive customer reviews.
Additionally, you want to keep in mind that you want an IFIT Membership subscription to get the most out of the ProForm Pro HIIT H14. This requires an extra investment over time.
If you need the extra weight capacity, like the vertical elliptical pedal trajectory, want the extra resistance levels, and don’t mind the IFIT Membership costs, you will likely prefer the ProForm Pro HIIT H14.
That being said, most people will likely prefer the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 because of its more budget-friendly price, entertainment flexibility, workout programs, compact dimensions, and positive customer reviews.
Important differences Bowflex Max Trainer vs ProForm HIIT
The Bowflex Max Trainer and ProForm HIIT implement somewhat of a similar concept but there are still many differences. These will influence what machine the best is for your situation.
There are a few different Bowflex Max Trainers and ProForm HIIT machines to choose from. The M8 and Pro HIIT H14 are similar and will be the machines compared in this article.
Some of the differences between these machines are more important than others.
In the first table below, you can find the details of the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 and ProForm HIIT H14 that are most likely to play a role in your decision.
| Feature | Bowflex Max Trainer M8 | ProForm Pro HIIT H14 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 300 pounds (136 kg) | 325 pounds (147.4 kg) |
| Stride Trajectory | Up And Down | Vertical Elliptical |
| Screen | Dual-Mode Backlit LCD/LED Screens | 14” Smart HD Touchscreen |
| Workout Programs | 7 Built-In Programs And Compatible With Bowflex JRNY | 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included |
| Device Holder | Yes | No |
| Screen Entertainment Options | Through Your Own Device | Nothing Besides IFIT |
| Resistance Levels | 20 Digital Resistance Levels | 26 Digital Resistance Levels |
| Dimensions | 47.9″ L x 30.8″ W x 65.2″ H | 66″ L x 29″ W x 52″ H |
| Warranties* | 3 Years Frame And Parts Warranty, 1 Year Labor Warranty | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 2 Years Parts Warranty, 1 Year Labor Warranty |
| Price Category** | $$$$ | $$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Other features Bowflex Max Trainer and ProForm HIIT
Before deciding between the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 and ProForm Pro HIIT H14 you may also want to take a look at the smaller differences and common features.
| Feature | Bowflex Max Trainer M8 | ProForm Pro HIIT H14 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance |
| Weight | 148 lbs (67 kg) | 150 lbs (68 kg) Package Weight |
| Flywheel Weight | Not Mentioned | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Static Handles | Yes | Yes |
| Moving Handles | Multi Grip | Multi grip |
| Pedal Cushions | Yes | Yes |
| Stride | Not Mentioned | 10″ Vertical, 5″ Horizontal |
| Number Of User Profiles | 4 | 5 With Family Membership |
| Speakers | No | Yes |
| Screen Mobility | Static | Can Swivel |
| Bluetooth Audio Capabilities | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling Fans | No | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Contact Hand Grips & Bluetooth Monitor (Bought Separately) | Contact Hand Grips & Bluetooth Monitor (Bought Separately) |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Bowflex Max Trainer vs ProForm HIIT in-depth
If you already know what details you prefer in your Bowflex Max Trainer or ProForm HIIT Trainer, the table with differences and a quick look at the prices could be enough to make a decision.
On the other hand, you may be somewhat unsure about the consequences of certain features on your workout routine. You can find some of the most important and confusing ones explained more in-depth below.
Stride trajectory
The Bowflex Max Trainer and ProForm HIIT Trainers look and are very similar but there is a small difference in terms of the exact trajectory the pedals go through.
Pedals of Bowflex Max Trainers like the M8 mostly go in an up-down trajectory. You can basically describe them as stair stepper machines.
On the other side, ProForm HIIT Trainers like the Pro H14 have more of a vertical elliptical pedal trajectory. In simpler words, they make a little rotation instead of going straight up and down.
The difference in trajectory is important to mention so you know what you can expect from each machine.
That being said, one type is not necessarily better than the other. What machine you want in terms of this area is mostly a case of personal preference.
Winner: Personal preference
Workout programs
Most normal ways of using Max Trainers and HIIT Trainers can benefit your health. However, certain workouts will be more effective for others.
You may also find certain sequences of time and intensities more enjoyable than others. Simply changing up your workouts can also keep things interesting.
The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 has 7 built-in programs and is compatible with Bowflex JRNY, a workout membership app that requires you to have your own smart device.
Because this machine has a device holder, you can also follow workouts from other workout apps and places like Youtube on your own smart device.
Keep in mind that these alternative workouts often do not have an interaction with the machine. Additionally, some people don’t have a good smart device yet.
On the other side, the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 has a touchscreen that is made to only work with IFIT. This is a membership with HIIT Trainer workout classes, scenic journeys, and workout classes for other types of exercise.
A downside of the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is that the paid IFIT subscription is your only option when it comes to workouts.
The Bowflex JRNY Membership is also a paid subscription but you still have the other options mentioned when using the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 thanks to the device holder.
Winner: Bowflex Max Trainer M8
Screen entertainment options
Different workouts are not the only method to keep your exercise sessions fun and interesting. Many people also like watching entertainment like TV shows or Youtube videos while using their cardio machines.
Unfortunately for people who prefer watching entertainment, this is not that easy to do with the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 due to a lack of a device holder.
You can still put your machine in front of a (smart) TV but this is definitely not as convenient as being able to use your tablet or smartphone.
The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 makes it easy to put a smart device in front of you. In turn, you can make your workouts more enjoyable by watching entertainment.
Winner: Bowflex Max Trainer M8
Dimensions
Most people have at least some type of limitation when it comes to how much space their workout room has.
One of the positive points of machines like Bowflex Max Trainers and ProForm HIIT Trainers is that they are more compact than a typical elliptical machine.
However, there still is a difference between these machines in terms of dimensions. More specifically, the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 has dimensions of 47.9″ L x 30.8″ W x 65.2″ H (122 cm L x 78.2 cm W x 167 cm H).
The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is a bit longer and a tiny amount narrower with dimensions of 66″ L x 29″ W x 52″ H (168 cm L x 73.7 cm W x 132 cm H).
In a small workout space where every inch matters, most people will have a preference for the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 in terms of dimensions.
Winner: Bowflex Max Trainer M8
Price
The Bowflex Max Trainers and ProForm HIIT Trainers each have their advantages and disadvantages. Something that could make your decision easier is any big differences in terms of price.
Exactly how much of an investment each machine requires depends on where you get them and can change over time.
That being said, at the time of writing, the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is a bit more budget-friendly than the ProForm Pro HIIT H14.
Additionally, you want to keep in mind that you likely want to get the IFIT Membership if you choose the ProForm Pro HIIT H14. This requires an extra investment.
The premium workout app from Bowflex also requires this extra investment but you also have the free workout options mentioned.
Winner: Bowflex Max Trainer M8
User reviews
The feature and price differences between the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 and the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 give a good idea about what model the best choice is for your personal situation.
That being said, customer reviews sometimes reveal unexpected downsides or trends in quality issues. At the time of writing, customers tend to be more positive about the Bowflex Max Trainer M8.
There are some cases where the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 arrives with broken parts, has software bugs, or experiences fast wear and tear. In these situations, customer support can be a bit slow in their responses and solutions.
These things also happen with the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 with some mentions about the assembly being challenging. However, mentions of these challenges are definitely less common.
So while customers still tend to be relatively happy with the ProForm Pro HIIT H14, the customer reviews of the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 tend to be more positive.
Is the Bowflex Max Trainer or ProForm HIIT right for you?
In short, the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 has a slightly higher weight limit, a vertical elliptical pedal trajectory, a 14″ Smart HD Touchscreen, more resistance levels, and longer warranties.
On the other side, the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 has an up-down pedal trajectory, more free workout programs, a device holder which allows you to watch entertainment through a smart device, more compact dimensions, a price that is a bit more budget-friendly, and more positive customer reviews.
Something else to note is that you likely want an IFIT subscription if you choose the ProForm Pro HIIT H14. This adds an extra subscription cost.
Individuals who want/need the extra weight capacity, vertical elliptical pedal trajectory, and extra resistance levels and don’t mind the IFIT Membership costs will likely prefer the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 as a Bowflex Max Trainer alternative.
That being said, most people will prefer the price, flexibility, compact dimensions, and positive customer reviews of the Bowflex Max Trainer M8.
